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Emergency Aid Ordered For New York Hurricane Response

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Federal resources and funds were made available today to support hurricane response efforts in New York State under an emergency declaration issued by President Clinton, according to the head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

FEMA Director James Lee Witt said the President took the action following a review of the agency's analysis of the state's expedited request for federal aid as a result of Hurricane Floyd, which hit the state on September 16.

Witt said the emergency declaration authorizes the agency to provide federal personnel, equipment, supplies and other materials as required to meet immediate human needs, protect property and public health and safety.

Additionally, federal funding will be available to the state and affected local governments to pay 75 percent of the eligible costs for debris removal and emergency services related to the hurricane, including requested emergency work undertaken by the federal government, in the counties of Orange, Putnam, Rockland and Westchester.

Eligible work undertaken by the federal government can include debris removal; search and rescue operations; temporary facilities for schools and other community services; demolition of unsafe structures; transportation of emergency workers, equipment and supplies; and other assistance to help alleviate immediate threats to life and property.

Witt, who designated the counties eligible for the emergency aid following the declaration, indicated that the need for additional forms of federal assistance will be determined after further evaluation of the storm's effects. He named Marianne Jackson of FEMA to serve as the federal coordinating officer the response effort.